Ernesto Valverde explains why Leo Messi did not start against Real Madrid

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid - Copa del Rey Semi Final

What's the story?

FC Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde, has explained his decision to not start talisman Leo Messi and use the player as a substitute, during their 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal on Wednesday, claiming that the striker still had some "discomfort."

In case you didn't know...

Leo Messi was instrumental for Barcelona, helping them overcome teams like Sevilla and Valencia in the last month. His brace helped Barcelona salvage a draw against Valencia in their latest La Liga encounter after going 2-0 down.

The 31-year-old Argentine has been involved in 47.4% of Barcelona's total goals this season as he has scored 29 goals and also racked up 11 assists in all competitions.

Although the statistics are quite staggering, Leo Messi picked up a knock against Valencia which seemed to be a minor obstacle at the time. As a result, he was used as a substitute by Ernesto Valverde in their crucial fixture against Real Madrid.

The heart of the matter

Messi was brought on just after the hour-mark due to his issues with a thigh injury and Valverde believes it was in the best interests of the club not to risk a player of Messi's stature, considering they have some high profile fixtures to play in the upcoming months.

Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid FT: Lionel Messi completed (5) only two fewer dribbles than Madrid, despite only spending 27 minutes on the pitch https://t.co/ej4xrglNud pic.twitter.com/CUHyQnBJhd

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) February 6, 2019

"The decisions you make are based on what you think is better for the team and the player. He had discomfort. Today he was better but we thought it was best he enter in the second half. He could be decisive because we know the danger he creates every time he gets the ball," Valverde said as quoted by FourFourTwo.

The defending La Liga champions travel to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday for their league clash, but the Barcelona coach is keeping things close to his chest especially when it comes to the participation of the Argentine magician.

"I don't know. If he's okay, he'll play. I hope it's like that," he added.

What's next?

Messi has once again been in brilliant form this season and was sparkling in the 27 minutes he spent on the pitch against Los Blancos. It will be very important for Barcelona not to rush him to ensure full fitness of their talismanic forward considering Champions League and important La Liga fixtures in the business end of the season.